By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Nov. 13, GNA – The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) has expressed its deepest condolences and profound outrage over the tragic deaths of six young women during the 2025/2026 Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise.
The sad event took place at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on November 13, 2025.
“This deeply distressing incident is unacceptable and raises serious questions about the organisation, safety measures, and accountability surrounding the recruitment process,” FOSDA stated in a statement.
“It represents a grave failure in safeguarding the lives and dignity of citizens, particularly young people seeking jobs and to serve their nation.”
The statement said FOSDA condemns in the strongest terms the circumstances that led to this tragedy.
It said the loss of these promising young women underscores the urgent need for institutional accountability, transparency, and comprehensive reforms to prevent a recurrence.
“No recruitment process should ever expose participants to life-threatening conditions or compromise their basic safety and wellbeing,” the statement said.
“We therefore call on the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence, and other relevant state agencies to immediately commission an independent and transparent investigation into the events leading to these deaths.”
It said the findings of such an inquiry must be made public, and any lapses in planning, crowd management, or medical preparedness must be addressed with the seriousness they deserve.
The statement said FOSDA urged the Government of Ghana to provide adequate psychosocial and financial support to the affected families.
It said beyond this, clear protocols and safety standards must be instituted and enforced in all future recruitment and public service exercises involving large gatherings of citizens, especially youth.
It noted that as an organisation dedicated to advancing human security, accountability, and sustainable development in Africa, FOSDA reaffirms that the protection of human life must remain paramount in all state and institutional activities.
It said this tragic loss must serve as a wake-up call for systemic reforms that prioritise people’s safety and dignity above bureaucratic convenience.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and communities. FOSDA stands in solidarity with them and with all Ghanaians demanding justice, accountability, and the assurance that such preventable tragedies will never occur again,” the statement said.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei